Simplified VM Management with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine

Virtualized infrastructure continues to serve as a cornerstone of modern IT environments, even as the adoption of container technology accelerates. From running critical applications to powering legacy systems, virtual machines (VMs) offer reliability, scalability, and compatibility that organizations depend on. Most SAP solutions are certified to run in virtualized environments, particularly those offered by VMware. From running critical applications to powering legacy systems, virtual machines (VMs) provide the reliability, scalability, and compatibility organizations depend on. However, this level of certification and support is not yet fully extended to containerized offerings, and this has fueled a thriving multibillion-dollar industry around virtualization, providing robust solutions for diverse use cases across industries. But, the landscape is shifting as enterprises seek to optimize costs and modernize their IT frameworks without sacrificing performance or security.

Amid tightening budgets and increasing operational demands, organizations are prioritizing solutions that streamline the management of virtualized environments. Simplifying VM administration while maintaining high levels of scalability, security, and performance has become a key focus. This is driving innovation in virtualization technologies, including hypervisors, management tools, and integrated platforms that reduce complexity and unlock value. By adopting more efficient virtualization strategies, businesses can better position themselves for future growth while managing current resource constraints effectively.

To help meet these needs, Red Hat has announced the general availability of the Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine, a new edition of OpenShift designed specifically for managing virtualization workloads. This streamlined version focuses solely on deploying, managing, and scaling virtual machines (VMs), leaving out features unrelated to VM management. By tailoring the platform to virtualization needs, it enables organizations to fully leverage OpenShift’s proven virtualization capabilities while aligning with their infrastructure requirements.

Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine offers a simplified, efficient solution for managing virtualization workloads by including only the essential OpenShift features needed for virtualization. Powered by Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization and the KVM hypervisor, it runs on on-premises hardware supporting Red Hat Enterprise Linux and supported bare metal cloud services like AWS. The platform scales seamlessly to meet workload demands while providing robust security and consistent performance across hybrid cloud environments.

To ease transitions from other virtualization platforms,  especially given that many customers are looking for an alternative to VMware following massive price increases after the Broadcom acquisition. The solution includes Red Hat’s migration toolkit and a Virtualization Migration Assessment workshop. Integration with Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform allows IT teams to automate VM migrations and daily management tasks for more efficient and resilient operations. Additionally, Red Hat’s partner ecosystem supports the platform with storage, backup, and networking solutions. Red Hat has also introduced Advanced Cluster Management for Virtualization to centralize and streamline VM lifecycle management, improving consistency and scalability for virtualized environments. Both solutions are now generally available.

What this means for SAPinsiders

Adopt the best virtualization solutions: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s current and future workload needs, considering factors such as scalability, compatibility with existing systems, cost efficiency, and long-term cloud migration plans. Prioritize virtualization options that offer robust support for critical applications, seamless integration with your infrastructure, and the flexibility to scale or transition to hybrid or cloud environments. Engage vendors with proven certifications and support for your core solutions, such as SAP, to ensure reliability and smooth implementation. To simplify virtualization management, organizations should focus on solutions specifically designed for virtualization workloads. Platforms like Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine provide a targeted approach, offering only the essential features required to deploy, manage, and scale virtual machines. By eliminating unnecessary components, these solutions reduce complexity and lighten the workload for IT teams. Purpose-built tools also enable businesses to achieve reliable scalability, robust security, and consistent performance. They provide a streamlined path for modernizing virtual environments while ensuring technology investments align seamlessly with organizational needs. By adopting such specialized solutions, companies can enhance efficiency, reduce operational overhead, and position themselves for long-term success in a dynamic IT landscape.

Leverage automation for efficiency: Automation is a critical enabler for reducing the complexity of virtual machine management. Tools such as Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform help organizations streamline routine tasks like provisioning, monitoring, and updating virtual machines. These tools also support seamless migrations from older virtualization platforms, reducing downtime and ensuring smoother transitions. With automation, IT teams can focus on strategic priorities while achieving more resilient and consistent operations across virtualized and hybrid cloud environments. By automating these processes, businesses can lower operational costs, minimize human errors, and improve overall efficiency.

Focus on tailored and scalable infrastructure: A one-size-fits-all approach often falls short in addressing the diverse requirements of modern IT environments. Organizations should select virtualization platforms that support hybrid infrastructure and on-prem deployments, such as those leveraging Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization and KVM hypervisor technology. These platforms should provide flexibility to scale as workload demands increase, while also offering integrated tools for managing security and performance across environments. Solutions like Advanced Cluster Management for Virtualization centralize and simplify lifecycle management, enabling businesses to maintain consistency and avoid sprawl. Tailored infrastructure solutions ensure that organizations can meet their immediate needs while preparing for future growth and technological advancements.